A wave of nostalgia spread through Taipei Train Station yesterday as a renovated 1923 steam locomotive was unveiled in celebration of Railway Day today.
The LDK 58, a narrow-gauge steam locomotive, is the third steam train that the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA, 灣鐵路管理局) has renovated since work began in 1997. The program is aimed at preserving part of the country's heritage. The CK 101, a 1917 passenger and freight steam train, was the first to be renovated and has been running on a regular basis as a tourist train since Railway Day two years ago.
In 1887, the first railroad was built in Taiwan, covering the 28.6km from Taipei to Keelung. It provided freight services between the two cities. Since then, Taiwan's rail system has gone through several phases, from steam-powered engines to diesel-electric engines to fully-electric locomotives.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
The tank-like LDK 58, which used to ply the narrow-gauge routes in the east of Taiwan, was previously displayed in Penghu County, an offshore island west of Taiwan. However, the LDK 58 quickly rusted and in November 1999, the TRA decided to have it restored by its employees and their retired colleagues.
Cheng Wan-ching (鄭萬經), supervisor of the LDK 58's restoration work, retired from the TRA 18 years ago. However, he jumped at the chance to participate in the project to give the 77-year old locomotive a second life.
Yesterday, Cheng proudly showed off the results of the team's labor to his great grandson and other train enthusiasts, explaining the history of the engine.
"One day when we are long dead and buried, this train will still be here," the 74-year-old Cheng said.
"Considering how the railway has contributed to the economic development of our country, preserving this locomotive is actually helping to save a part of our culture," he said.
The TRA will share some of its achievements in restoring the old engines at a public exhibition today at Taipei Train Station.
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